Best Day Trips from Louisville in 2024

Need some inspiration for day trips from Louisville? I grew up in Louisville and loved spending my weekends exploring all the amazing places Kentucky has to offer. And after spending countless hours exploring the state these are some of my favorite, easy day trips you should take.

Here are some of my favorite places to visit for day trips to long weekends nearby. Find foodie destinations, cultural hubs, and beautiful scenic views with my seven best day trips from Louisville:

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The Seven best day trips from louisville, Kentucky

Enjoy the Bourbon Trail in Bardstown

Though for a long time Bardstown has been a huge area for bourbon distilleries the Bourbon Boom and growth of the Bourbon Trail has helped elevate Bardstown into a great day trip from Louisville anytime. 

Things to do in Bardstown, KY

• Visit one of the many incredible distilleries located near Bardstown. My favorites include Bardstown Bourbon Company, Willett, and Lux Row.
• See a show with the Stephen Foster Story
• Visit My Old Kentucky Home, namesake and inspiration for the state song
• Get a history lesson at the Women’s Civil War Museum or the African American History Museum
• Enjoy a steak and bourbon cocktail at The Rickhouse
• Take a ride on the My Old Kentucky Dinner Train

See the many arches of Red River Gorge

Red River Gorge has long been known by rock climbers but in recent years has become an incredible destination everyone loves. 

Things to do in Red River Gorge

• Kayak the underground caverns at Gorge Underground
• Take a drive through the Nada Tunnel
• Enjoy a scenic hike or gondola ride to Natural Bridge 
• Take to the zipline and see the Gorge from above
• Rent an amazing cabin and enjoy a weekend in the Gorge
• Visit the Kentucky Reptile Zoo
• Take a hike to one of the many waterfalls

Take a day trip to historic Shelbyville

Historic Shelbyville has had a huge transformation in the last 5-10 years. With two premier bourbon distilleries and plenty of unique things to do, it’s the perfect place for a day trip just 35 minutes from downtown Louisville.

How to spend a day in Shelbyville, KY

• Do a bourbon tasting at Jeptha Creed or Bulleit distilleries
• Buy local products at Gallerin Farms
• See the largest Icelandic horse farm in the Americas at Lettleiki Icelandics
• Take to horseback at the Red Fern Riding Center
• Enjoy classic southern cooking at The Farm Kitchen or Bell House

Need a place to stay in Shelbyville? Check out my guide to Unique Places to Stay on the Bourbon Trail!

Check out the highlights of Lexington

The second largest city in Kentucky is less than an hour and a half away from downtown Louisville. Lexington has plenty of great things to do and places to eat to make it a great day trip from Louisville, too!

Don’t miss my favorite things to do in Lexington

• Take a food tour and enjoy the amazing culinary scene
• Enjoy the many things to do at the Kentucky Horse Park
• Learn about the thoroughbred horse culture with a horse farm tour
• See the Mary Todd Lincoln House and learn about Kentucky’s early history
• See a horse race at Keeneland

Visit Kentucky’s National Park 

Mammoth Cave National Park is a must-visit and just 1.5 hours from downtown Louisville. Obviously visiting the park is the main attraction but there are so many other things to do nearby.

Things to do near Mammoth Cave

• Book a cave tour and see the many chambers of the cave
• Take a tour of the Crystal Onyx Cave to see some unique formations
• Not sick of caves? Learn more about them at the American Cave Museum
• Visit the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green

Take a day trip to Cincinnati 

Located less than 100 miles from Louisville, Cincinnati has a lot of amazing things to see and do during a day trip. 

Best things to do in Cincinnati

• Enjoy the German heritage with a beer tour
• Spend an afternoon at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
• Check out a Cincinnati Reds or Bengals game 
• See the neon at the American Sign Museum
• Eat at Findlay Market (or join a food tour!)